A Greener Future
From tackling plastic pollution to restoring biodiversity and transforming green finance, our teams are shaping global policy and delivering real impact. Using the South West’s unique landscapes as a living laboratory, our discoveries are helping the UK reach its Net Zero and Biodiversity Net Gain goals.
Your support can make the next breakthrough possible
By making a single gift today or choosing to support us with a regular donation, you'll power research that protects our planet and creates a sustainable future for generations to come.
Support Environment and Sustainability Research
Our researchers are tackling the environmental challenges that matter most:
Protecting marine life and reducing bycatch
Incidental capture of non-target species in fishing gear, known as bycatch, is one of the greatest threats to endangered marine species globally. Our pioneering partnership with conservation engineering company Fishtek Marine has developed innovative technologies that are transforming fisheries worldwide.
SharkGuard reduces blue shark bycatch by 91%. NetLights cut sea turtle bycatch by 42%. Acoustic Banana Pingers prevent dolphin entanglement. These innovations, developed through our research, are now deployed globally – protecting vulnerable species while supporting sustainable fishing.
Advancing environmental intelligence
Our Centre for Environmental Intelligence uses AI and data science to solve critical environmental challenges. We're home to the Global Carbon Budget Office, which tracks carbon emissions trends – a key measure of Paris Agreement progress presented annually at COP negotiations.
We collaborate with the Met Office to integrate climate data and assess risks. Our DIMAQ air quality model informs WHO and UN policy, tracking progress toward reducing air pollution by 2030.
Engineering sustainable solutions
Our Centre for Water Systems is internationally renowned for sustainable water management research – from supply systems to flood risk and smart water infrastructure.
We apply artificial intelligence, genetic algorithms and neural networks to complex water challenges. From clean energy to sustainable infrastructure, our engineering expertise creates technologies for a sustainable future.
Becoming nature positive
From the deepest oceans to threatened ecosystems worldwide, our researchers are working to understand human impact on biodiversity and developing tools to protect species. We're creating Marine Protected Areas, influencing conservation policy, and playing our part in protecting the Amazon Rainforest, the largest reservoir of biodiversity on the planet.
Your gift in action
By making a single gift today or choosing to support us with a regular donation, you could fund:
- State-of-the-art equipment for environmental monitoring and data science
- Fieldwork across our unique South West landscapes and marine environments
- Collaboration with the Met Office, policymakers and industry leaders
- PhD students and early-career researchers driving tomorrow's breakthroughs
Help protect our planet's future
Considering the lasting impact you could make with a gift in your Will? It costs you nothing today and can help protect our planet for future generations. Learn more >
The University of Exeter is an exempt charity, number: X9538.
